Experts are predicting Canadians can expect a hotter than usual summer, which means it is time to hang up your skates and unpack those clubs to spend the sunny days on the golf course.

Experts are predicting Canadians can expect a hotter than usual summer, which means it is time to hang up your skates and unpack those clubs to spend the sunny days on the golf course.

But are golfers protecting themselves before taking a swing?

It is not until after that first sunburn of the season that many remember the importance of protecting their skin and preventing the risk of skin cancer. Also known as melanoma and non-melanoma, skin cancer starts in the cells of the skin, the body’s largest organ.

An estimated 260 Ontarians will die from melanoma in 2011, and an estimated 79, 600 Canadians will be diagnosed with skin cancer. Skin cancer is largely preventable through decreasing sun exposure and increasing use of protection, a reminder that Ontarians need to remember their SunSense before heading outdoors this summer.

“Golfers and outdoor workers are believed to be at an increased risk for developing skin cancer,” says Salima Allibhai-Hussein, Senior Manager, Prevention, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. “They stay in the sun for prolonged periods of time and frequently golf when the UV rays are strongest.”

The Canadian Cancer Society is asking golfers everywhere “How do you score?” with the new Sun Safety at the Golf Course program. Aimed to target those who spend hours on the course during leisure time and as a profession, the program is being rolled out across Ontario by volunteers asking golf courses to support the initiative by helping promote the sun safe message.
How can you ace your SunSense game on the course this summer? By following these tips you can help prevent skin cancer:

Timely tee offs: Golfers should be aware that at different times of the day they are at a greater risk exposure to the sun’s rays. The sun is the strongest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and golfers should remember this when scheduling their tee times. Your wallet may also benefit from sun safe tee times with some courses offering discounted tee times to encourage golfers to visit at non-peak hours.

It’s okay to be in the trees: For once it’s okay to be in the trees. When you are waiting to take your swing find shelter out of the sun. Using a golf umbrella, sitting in a golf cart or under a tree will help you avoid the harmful UV rays.

Stay in style: Wearing lightweight clothing can help protect your arms and legs from sun exposure and keep you looking and feeling cool on the course. Wearing a wide brim hat will bring your look together and protect your face, ears and the back of your neck. Finally, a pair of sunglasses will help with keeping your eyes protected and focused on the game, just make sure they have UVA/UVB protection.

And don’t forget your sunscreen: You’ve probably been hearing this tip for years; however, it doesn’t hurt to reapply it to your knowledge of sun safety. Use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher while on the course. Also, us an SPF 15 lip balm and reapply both as needed.

Hole in one tip: Here is a little extra tip for anyone trying to look cool in the sun this summer. Know the myths of sun safety they’ll protect more than just your perfect score.

“The damage to the skin is not instant like a scrape or bruises and therefore appears to be less of a threat,” says Allibhai-Hussein. “However, this not the case sun damage is cumulative, meaning the damage builds up with each exposure to the sun. The skin can repair superficial damage like the redness and soreness of sunburn, but the underlying damage remains. It may take 10 to 30 years for cancer to develop from repeated exposure.”

Think you’ve already aced your SunSense game? Take the SunSense Quiz at cancer.ca and see if you get burnt.

We value respectful and thoughtful discussion. Readers are encouraged to flag comments that fail to meet the standards outlined in our
Community Code of Conduct.
For further information, including our legal guidelines, please see our full website
Terms and Conditions.